Paya Bunga Square

I'm not done with my Kuala Terengganu posts as yet. So let's visit KT's first major shopping mall. Paya Bunga Square had been opened for only a few months when my brother and I visited. There was some excitement because my mum heard from my cousin that there is a Manhattan Fish Market there. Is that cool or what?

On the way down to town, we spotted this signboard. On closer inspection, it looked rather interesting.

But we did not have time to check it out. So we drove on.

Kuala Terengganu has changed quite a lot. There is rapid development with many commercial buildings being built. Traffic is heavy with traffic jams during peak hours. For those of you who think that Kuala Terengganu is very ulu, you will be surprised.

So there we were at the mall. We wanted to check out Manhattan Fish Market before we took our parents there.

The surrounding area was still under construction. There is a new hotel coming up I think.

We were early and the place was quiet. This is the main entrance. 

And this thing greeted us at the door. Arrrghhhhh!!!!

Yes, the local Inland Revenue Board office is situated on the first floor of the mall. How strategic.

Bayor cukai dulu sebelum anda pergi membeli belah
(Pay your taxes first before you spend money at the mall).

Upon entering, we realised that the mall was not fully occupied yet. Only about 30% of the shoplots have been taken up. So it was quite bare.

Downstairs, we saw this kiosk selling Terengganu snacks.

Then I spotted this banner.

Food always gets our undivided attention and the brother and I made our way up to level 3.

It was still early, so we did not have anything to eat here. Besides, we had a lunch date with our parents. Then we walked around. It was quite deserted.

I have heard of 2D and 4D and now this 7D.

Ah! A Shabu-Shabu Restaurant.

Women's clothing stores made up the majority of the shops that were opened.

Now the people of Terengganu can enjoy sushi.

We walked around trying to locate the elusive Manhattan Fish Market. Then my brother asked the shops assistants for help. Nope, Manhattan Fish Market is not opened yet. Haiya! That cousin of mine! Told us the wrong thing tsk..tsk..tsk...

Well, at least Gloria Jean's is here. This is probably THE place to hang out now.

Now, what's this? A blood donation drive.

My brother and I have donated blood before but not on that day. 

On the whole, the trip to the mall was a bit of a let down due to the low occupancy. But still, at least we have visited the mall. 

The only shop that was interesting was this one.

These were what we saw in there. Most of the products are from the Middle East. That was where I bought sumac.

I mistook this for Kit Kat and bought one. But it was some kind
of flaky confectionery filled with chocolate.

Chocolates.

All sorts of honey with ginger, ginseng or blackseed.

Sweets?

Spices.

Snacks.

Olive oil and some other oils and sauces.

My brother was attracted to something....

......this. I was curious too. It's called Gula-Gula Sarang Burung (Bird Nest Sweets?).
But it was a disappointment. Tasted of raw flour. Sorry, we had to throw it away.

After about an hour or so, we left. 

At the carpark exit, it looked like some people were not accustomed to the autopay concept. They had to get out of their car and pay at the autopay machine which was just across from the exit. Luckily it was not crowded and I cannot imagine what it would be like when more and more people visit and are oblivious to the fact that they had to pay before they collected their cars.

It will take a while before Paya Bunga Square comes alive and I hope this mall will be successful. I won't be surprised if the Mek Ganu (Terengganu ladies) come in droves to do a spot of shopping. After all, Hari Raya is just around the corner!